And Athenobius the king's Friend came to Jerusalem; and he saw the glory of Simon, and the cupboard of gold and silver vessels, and his great attendance, and he was amazed; and he reported to him the king's words. And Simon answered, and said unto him,--
BARLEY HARVEST NEAR BETHLEHEM.
Copyright by Underwood & Underwood and used by special permission.
So Boaz and his harvesters must have looked in the time of Ruth. Bethlehem is one of the most fertile spots in rugged Judaea. Though the wilderness is not far away, here a spot of great fertility gave rise to the name of the "House of Bread."
"We have neither taken other men's land, nor have we possession of that which appertaineth to others, but of the inheritance of our fathers; howbeit, it was had in possession of our enemies wrongfully for a certain time. But we, having opportunity, hold fast the inheritance of our fathers. As touching Joppa and Gazara, which thou demandest, they did great harm among the people throughout our country, but we will give a hundred talents for them."
And he answered him not a word, but returned in a rage to the king, and reported unto him these words, and the glory of Simon, and all that he had seen: and the king was exceeding wroth. But Tryphon embarked on board a ship, and fled to Orthosia.